University Club Chicago Wedding Photography by Elena Bazini.

I am thrilled to be sharing Jenny & Andy’s University Club Chicago Wedding!  It was a pretty amazing way to kick off 2018.  Unbelievable weather (50 degrees in January!), a stunning location (Chicago, baby!), and the LOVELIEST of couples to celebrate. It was the talk of the town if you ask me, or their seemingly hundreds of well-wishers along Michigan Avenue.

I first met Jenny & Andy when they were guests at Elizabeth & Jordan‘s wedding in early 2017.  I don’t get tons of time to socialize with guests when I’m photographing a wedding (go figure!). But these two were so cute on the dance floor, they just stood out to me! (Picture me trying to not look like a creeper as I tried to capture the cuteness on film!)  Color me lucky when they inquired for their own wedding.  Jenny & Andy’s University Club Chicago wedding was beautiful.  And yes, they are exceptionally cute together.  But beyond all that, these two are kind and welcoming, smart and funny. A true pleasure to spend the day with. David and I were lucky to be a part of this one. We hope there might be a double date in our future!  Put on your seatbelts, blog viewers!  This one is a favorite.

Thank you, Jenny & Andy!

A huge congratulations to Jenny and Andy!  David and I loved being a part of your unforgettable day. I still can’t believe how we lucked out on that January heat wave! Thank you for being wonderful to work with. David and I regularly comment to each other about how much we enjoy you both: The King and Queen of getting married!

Jenny and Andy met by chance at a trivia night.  They were both invited by mutual friends. Would you believe me if I told you that Andy almost didn’t show?  There is clearly a large group of people, myself included, who are very happy that wasn’t the case. The two clearly clicked, and tied the knot in 2018. They imagined a classic and elegant wedding, and pulled it off with the help of their planner, Sue Primer.  Sue was the smart cookie who turned them on to the University Club in the first place! Shout out to Sue, and the entire vendor team!

The fabulous team of Chicago wedding vendors includes:

Ceremony & Reception Venue: The University Club of Chicago | Wedding Planner: Sue Primer I do | Makeup: Elise Brill | Hair: Tina Sclafani at Magnificent Brides | Decor: Kloeckner Preferred Flowers | Wedding Music: The Dan Hayes Orchestra | University Club Chicago Wedding Photography: Elena Bazini Photography

Are you planning a wedding of your own?  Reach out and say hello!  We’d love to tell your story.

One of the best parts of my job is exploring all the unique venues around my beautiful city of Chicago. I have come to believe that you can really tell a lot about a couple by their wedding venue. Whether they are prioritizing a particular location, a type of architecture or mood, or simply the capacity to hold a raging party – venue choice says a lot about what’s important to an engaged couple. So, I thought I’d start spotlighting wedding venues. Starting with one of my favorites: The University Club of Chicago. (Conveniently pictured throughout this post!)

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About the venue: University Club of Chicago

The club was stablished in 1887 by university graduates looking for a cool place to hang and just appreciate literature and the arts. (With a stellar art collection on display, and a library of almost 13,000 volumes, they totally nailed it!) The building that stands today on Michigan Ave was constructed in 1908.  Wander the club and you’ll find members tucked away in the cozy corners, usually with a newspaper or book in hand.

This “gothic skyscraper” has two ballrooms that host events- Cathedral Hall and the more intimate Michigan Room (pictured above).  The Michigan Room is breathtaking with mahogany walls, a stone fireplace, stained glass windows, and a hand-painted ceiling depicting a medieval hunt. It was a special and fun challenge capturing these architectural details, along with the fun and emotion of a wedding day.  While mahogany walls add an undeniable warmth to a wedding reception, they can make for a dark space for photography!  I’m so happy with how our lighting setup worked here. It was important to me to capture everything unique about the space, along with the joy of Jenny & Andy’s day.

How did I get this far and not mention the view? (#thatviewtho #nofilter). It is pretty spectacular to look out over Millennium Park, The Art Institute of Chicago, and Lake Michigan. Even better if you’re holding a cocktail while doing so! The club recently completed construction on an outdoor terrace. Maybe I’ll be invited for a drink this summer 😉

Do you love historic Chicago ballrooms?  Gothic Architecture?  Do you want to get married in a space that could double for Hogwarts? In addition to being in the heart of everything Chicago has to offer? I don’t even have to ask whether you appreciate literature and the arts, because you surely do. This place is a hidden gem right in the middle of it all.  Check it out!

While this was our only January wedding this year, I’ll be back soon with more wedding goodness.  Be sure to check back for our next blog post, and venue spotlight, when we photograph our next wedding at the Lincoln Park Conservatory in March!  I know I’m looking forward to it.  How about you?